Exploring The Influence of Bioethical Committees on Ethical Decisionmaking: A Phenomenological Study

Exploring The Influence of Bioethical Committees on Ethical Decisionmaking: A Phenomenological Study

Elizabeth M Cooper-Reelhorn | 2025

Abstract

Bioethics is an evolving and complex field that requires a dynamic leadership approach to face the ethical dilemmas in scientific research. While bioethics committees are crucial in guiding ethical decision making, limited research examines the specific outcomes of participation in these committees. Bioethics committees are multidisciplinary, bringing together leaders from diverse fields to collaborate and influence ethical governance. This study explored the intersection of leadership and decision making in bioethics committees within private-sector life sciences, biology, and health organizations. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 bioethics committee members to examine their decision-making processes, challenges, and leadership strategies. The analysis identified three key theoretical constructs—dynamic conformity, signal amplification and attenuation, and distributed ethical leadership—along with 13 related themes. Findings indicate that groupthink and signaling influence decision making within bioethics committees. This study addresses a critical research gap by providing a comprehensive understanding of leadership dynamics within bioethical committees. The findings offer practical insights to nonprofit organizations, health care institutions, and academic research communities, enhancing their ability to effectively interpret and apply ethical committee recommendations. The research contributes to the evolving discourse on ethical leadership, offering a nuanced perspective on collaborative decision-making in bioethics.

Keywords: Bioethics decision making, Ethical dilemmas, Groupthink, Leadership, Multidisciplinary teams, Signaling